Kaduna — The Arewa Youths Alliance for Religious Harmony has dismissed calls for the removal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, describing them as politically motivated and divisive.
Speaking at a press briefing at Arewa House, Kaduna, the group called the demands for Amupitan’s sack “ill-advised,” emphasizing that they stem from fear of free, fair, and credible elections.
Chairman of the alliance, Elder Joseph Chori, urged Nigerians to focus on unity, particularly in the North, which he said is currently facing serious challenges. “It is disheartening to witness elements within our fold spearheading a campaign that is needlessly divisive. We must not allow personal grievances to be clothed in ethnic or religious sentiments,” he stated.
The group commended Amupitan and his team for their management of the recently concluded Anambra governorship election, which it described as “credible and transparent.” The election, which saw the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate emerge victorious over the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), was cited as proof that Nigerian elections can be competitive and reflective of the people’s will.
“The outcome has boosted the morale of opposition parties and dispelled fears that Nigeria was drifting into a one-party system,” Chori added.
Co-Chairman Abbas Mohammed Aminu reaffirmed Northern youths’ support for the INEC chairman ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the calls for his removal represent only a minority. “The majority of our people stand with him. The calls for his removal are coming from those afraid of free, fair, and credible elections,” Aminu said.
The alliance called on Northern leaders and all Nigerians to support INEC in maintaining its independence and delivering transparent elections in 2027.
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